Babcock State Park Guide

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Introduction

Stretching gloriously over an area of 4,127 acres in Clifftop, West Virginia lies the unusually striking Babcock State Park. Babcock State Park, one of the most favorite scenic spots in Fayette County, is adored by visitors for its stellar scenery, proximity to the breathtaking New River Gorge, and the picture-perfect Glade Creek Grist Mill. Located just 20 miles away from the New River Gorge Bridge, this state park provides plenty of opportunities for leisure and recreation. Picturesque hiking trails, watery adventures of rafting and fishing, and thrilling camping and hunting opportunities are just a few of the many reasons why you should definitely visit Babcock State Park in your RV.

One of the most spectacular spots in Babcock is the quaint Glade Creek Grist Mill. It can easily pass as the most picturesque location in the entire park. Built in 1976 using pieces of other nonoperational mills, this fully functional mill takes you back to the olden golden times. Resting close to the soothing murmurs of the River Gorge waters, this park allows its visitors to experience the calmness of nature.

The number of recreational activities here is large and the options are varied. You can do it all, from hiking over the scenic trails spread all across the park, to rafting, boating, and fishing among the cool splashes of water. There’s also biking over the finely paved roads to spending lovely moments in the cabins covered in lush greenery. There is just so much to do. Plus, the delights of RV camping can be wholeheartedly enjoyed thanks to the availability of electric hookups, pet friendliness, and much more. Open daily, this place is ideal for summer and spring visits between April and October. So what are you waiting for? Bring your RV to Babcock State Park for an unforgettable experience.

Transportation in Babcock State Park

Driving

You can easily reach Babcock State Park by car and RV. Walk-in access is also possible. The park can be easily accessed from Beckley. Also, the main park entrance is 2 miles south of Clifftop. From Charleston, follow Route 60 East to Route 41 South to reach the park. Maps can be of great assistance for both getting to the park and moving across different parts of the park.

The use of maps is generally preferred over GPS. With the help of a map, one can easily roam around the park from the cabins to campsites, gift shops to hiking trails, and from picnic shelters to the Great Mill. The most popular spot, the Glade Creek Grist Mill, is located just across the park office, while the campground is just 2 miles away from it. There are generally no driving restrictions for RVs and cars inside the park. Keep in mind though that cars and RVs are not allowed on trails and inside campsites.

At most, only two motor vehicles are permitted at each campsite. It is prohibited to ride bikes in the camping area after sunset unless both front and rear lights are kept on during the ride. Bikes can only be used for getting into and out of the campsite and should not be ridden inside the camping units.

Parking is rarely an issue since plentiful parking lots are located near the park entrance as well as near the camping units. The parking lots are spacious enough for large RVs as well.

Parking

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Babcock State Park

Campsites in Babcock State Park

Reservations camping

The Campground at Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park has a large campground consisting of 52 camping units. Of these sites, 28 of them offer electric hookups. Half of the sites are available for reservations, while the others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water and sewer hookups are not available, but there are plenty of other amenities for you to enjoy. A large bathhouse is centrally located in the campground, and it also features laundry machines, water filling stations, hot showers, and sewerage dumps. Wireless and cell phone services can also be enjoyed. Other amenities include picnic tables and grills.

The campground is open from April to October and you can make reservations from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The campsites can be pre-booked for a minimum of 2 nights and a maximum of 14 days. Quiet hours are observed between at night and the use of generators is prohibited during these hours. A few of the campsites are also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along with you. RV camping is so much fun at Babcock State Park.

First-come first-served

The Campground at Babcock State Park

Half of the 52 campsites at the Campground at Babcock State Park are open from April to October on a first-come, first-served basis for tents and RVs. Reservations are required for the other campsites. Some sites offer electric hookups, but there are lots of other great amenities. You'll have access to water filing stations, laundry facilities, and sewage dump facilities. Plus, you'l be within walking distance to several hiking trails. Some of the sites are pet-friendly as well.

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Babcock State Park

In-Season

Playing Sports and Touring Glade Creek Grist Mill

During the peak season in the spring and summer, the park organizes a large number of engaging outdoor activities appealing to people of all ages. Game courts are set up for volleyball, tennis, and basketball. You'll have a blast throwing around the volleyball or shooting hoops. Tours of the Glade Creek Grist Mill are also arranged where visitors get a chance to peek inside the mill to see how it operates and even buy the freshly milled corn and buckwheat.

Paddling

Stretching over an area of 19 acres, the breathtakingly beautiful Boley Lake is a heavenly site fit for leisurely paddling. People of all ages visiting the park come to this lake to get a taste of paddling across the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Adventurers demanding more of a thrill like to paddle around the five-mile Glade Creek going straight into the New River Gorge. Apart from paddling, boating and white-water rafting are also widely enjoyed by those visiting the Boyle Lake. So get ready to head out of the RV and coast on top of the glistening waters of the park.

Fishing

Usually closed during the winters, Boley Lake is an ideal fishing spot for beginners during the spring, summer, and fall. Varied species like largemouth bass and bluegill can be found here. The lake is also stocked with ample amounts of trout fish. Another, more daring fishing spot is the Glade Creek, which passes by the grist mill. You'll have to hike to reach to the shoreline, which is why it is recommended for only expert fishers. The trout fish is found in abundance here. All anglers require a West Virginia Fishing License.

Off-Season

Skiing

The hiking trails of Babcock State Park feast its visitors with many beautiful viewpoints. Covered with trees and wild flowers, the rugged trails happen to be excellent skiing points in the winter. These trails offer a wide variety of scenery for skiers. While skiing on the “Island in the Sky Trail”, you'll have a magnificent view of the glamorous Glade Creek Grist Mill in the background. The “Lake View Trail” gives you breathtaking views of Boley Lake. Don't let the cold weather stop you from skiing during your RV trip to Babcock State Park.

Photography

The soft cotton balls of snow that shine like diamonds spread over the grounds add an extra oomph to the beauty of winters. The magnificence of the Glade Creek Grist Mill is also greatly magnified while covered in inches of snow. With its grandeur at its highest peak in the chills of winter, the Mill looks ever so inviting, tempting you to strike a pose with it. Already the most photographed spot of the entire park, this old-fashioned place becomes more eye-catching than usual. The use of drones is also allowed for a few hours daily after seeking permission from the authorities.

Hiking

Babcock State Park features various hiking trails with difficulties ranging from easy to difficult. The combined length of all hiking trails is 20 miles. It takes on average two hours to finish a trail. The trails of Babcock feature an extravagant number of creeks, swinging bridges, and scrambling rocks. The Wilderness Trail and Mann’s Creek Gorge Trail are two of the most popular routes. The best thing about hiking in Babcock State Park is that these hiking trails are open all year long, so hiking can be enjoyed during the off-season too.